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Section 7 Environmental Effects of the Selected Plan

EAA Storage Reservoirs Revised Draft PIR and EIS February 2006

7-8

dominated by aquatic habitat. Use of the embankments by vehicles may make

resident and transient wildlife somewhat more vulnerable to road kill since

upland habitat will be scarce in the vicinity of the reservoir.

7.8.4 Fauna of Disturbed Areas

Approximately 33,500 acres of disturbed agricultural habitat would be replaced

by the construction of the preferred alternative. These habitats represent the

most extensive landscape feature throughout the region. Although they

historically replaced native wetland communities, they still provide some

wildlife benefits, providing feeding areas, cover, or breeding/nesting habitat for

generalist wildlife species that can use a broad range of environmental

conditions such as boat-tailed grackle, cattle egret, common nighthawk, killdeer,

turkey vulture, and treefrogs. A few more specialized species such as burrowing

owl or woodstork may also use these lands where the habitats marginally meet

certain environmental needs. Flooded sugarcane fields provide seasonal

foraging habitat to a variety of wading and shorebirds.

Conversion of agricultural land to an open water reservoir would reduce the

potential habitat for terrestrial wildlife. The USFWS has noted that although

there would be an overall loss of habitat for terrestrial and shallow water species

with the conversion of agricultural lands and associated canals, this may be

beneficial overall, as prey on agricultural lands “may be potentially hazardous to

wading birds” (USFWS 2005)

Temporary adverse effects on wildlife are anticipated during construction due to

noise, land grading, and lighting. Commitments to the protection of wildlife

during the construction phase are documented in the Environmental

Commitments section of the PIR. Wildlife is anticipated to return to the area

after construction. Overall wildlife habitat benefits are expected to occur in the

littoral zone of Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries,

and natural areas downstream. Reducing Lake Okeechobee high water events

should increase appropriate nesting and foraging habitat for wading birds and

habitat for fish and invertebrate reproduction. In addition, the reduction of

pulsed releases to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries during the wet

season should benefit fish and wildlife resources in these regions. Overall, the

project is anticipated to significantly benefit fish and wildlife resources.

7.9 ENDANGERED, TREATENED, AND STATE LISTED SPECIES

According to terms of an agreement between the USACE, USFWS, and NOAA,

this Draft PIR/EIS also acts as the Biological Assessment for the purpose of

Section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act. Table 2-6 is a list of

endangered, threatened, and species of special concern known in the EAA

vicinity or other affected areas. However, this table does not provide an overall

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